Scholarships for People with Criminal Records

In 1994, Congress banned people in prison from receiving Pell Grants, cutting off the primary source of financial aid for prison education programs. For nearly 30 years, incarcerated people were excluded from the most important federal education benefit. That changed with the FAFSA Simplification Act, which permanently restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students starting in the 2023-2024 school year.

This means people who are currently in prison can now receive Pell Grants to attend approved prison education programs. People who are formerly incarcerated have always been eligible for Pell Grants upon release, but many did not know this. The FAFSA no longer asks about drug convictions, eliminating another barrier. If you were told at any point that you could not get financial aid because of your record, that information is outdated -- apply now at studentaid.gov.

A growing number of scholarships specifically target formerly incarcerated individuals. The Laughing Gull Foundation offers up to $10,000/year for formerly incarcerated students at any accredited school. The Frederick Douglass Project on Justice offers scholarships of $500-$5,000. Fontbonne Academy's Second Chance Scholarship provides support for women with records. The Petey Greene Program, while primarily a tutoring organization, connects formerly incarcerated students with scholarship resources. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's Post-Incarceration Scholarship provides $1,000-$2,000.

Many local reentry organizations also offer small scholarships ($250-$2,000) that are less competitive than national programs. Contact your local reentry program, parole office, or workforce development center to ask about local scholarship opportunities. Some religious organizations and community groups also specifically fund education for people reentering society.

A growing number of colleges actively recruit and support students with criminal records. These programs go beyond just admitting you -- they provide mentoring, academic support, and community. Some notable programs: Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network (FICGN) maintains a directory of supportive colleges. Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison provides college education in New York state prisons and post-release support. The Georgetown Pivot Program at Georgetown University provides a full fellowship for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Many community colleges have open admission policies that do not ask about criminal history at all. California community colleges, City University of New York (CUNY), and many state community college systems do not require criminal history disclosure on applications. Some four-year universities have also removed criminal history questions from their applications following the 'ban the box' movement in higher education. As of 2026, the Common Application allows students to not disclose criminal history, and many schools have eliminated the question entirely.

Many states offer their own grants and financial aid that can supplement Pell Grants. California offers Cal Grants and the California College Promise Grant (fee waiver for community college). New York has the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides up to $5,665/year for state residents at SUNY and CUNY schools. Texas offers the TEXAS Grant and Tuition Equalization Grants. Illinois has the MAP (Monetary Award Program) grant.

State grant eligibility rules vary. Some states ask about criminal history, others do not. Contact your state's higher education authority or financial aid office to learn about available state grants. Many state grants can be combined with Pell Grants, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket education costs. In some cases, state grants plus Pell Grants can cover the entire cost of community college or state university tuition.

Many scholarships for formerly incarcerated individuals are essay-based. Your personal story is your greatest asset. Scholarship committees want to see authenticity, growth, and clear goals. Start with a specific moment or experience that motivated your educational goals -- avoid vague generalizations. Be honest about your past without dwelling on it. Focus 70% of your essay on where you are going and only 30% on where you have been.

Show specific, concrete plans for how you will use your education. 'I want to become a social worker who helps families affected by incarceration' is stronger than 'I want to help people.' Address what you have learned and how you have changed. Include any community involvement, volunteer work, employment, or leadership since your release. Have someone proofread your essay -- your local library or adult education center may offer free writing help. Apply to every scholarship you qualify for, even ones with smaller awards. Multiple small scholarships add up.

Beyond scholarships, several strategies can help pay for education. Work-study programs provide part-time campus employment. Student employment at colleges can help cover living expenses while building skills. Many colleges offer payment plans that spread tuition over the semester without interest.

Vocational rehabilitation programs in every state can fund education and training for people with documented disabilities (including substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities). Contact your state VR agency -- see our vocational rehab guide. WIOA grants through American Job Centers can pay for approved training programs. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement -- they can provide up to $5,250/year tax-free for education. AmeriCorps service provides an education award of about $7,000 after completing a year of service, and some AmeriCorps programs accept people with criminal records.

Important warning: Be cautious with student loans. While federal student loans are available, only borrow what you truly need. Pell Grants, scholarships, and work do not need to be repaid -- loans do. Prioritize free money first.